Base-less, Low-Resistance Golf Mat Tee

ABSTRACT

The subject invention discloses a base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee for supporting a golf ball when used in combination with a typical driving range golf mat. The base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee is comprised of a solid tubular shaft member with a distal end extending upwardly and terminating at its proximal end at the under-side surface of a flat, circular disc-shaped tee member of larger diameter that includes a multiplicity of bristles, foam fingers, or other low-resistance support means extending upwardly and attached or affixed to its top surface to provide angular support for the golf ball. The solid, tubular shaft member is received into the top side hole opening of a typical driving range golf mat and has a circumference that is fractionally smaller than that of the opening to allow for retention of the shaft member in the opening. The golf ball support structures extend upwardly above the top surface of the driving range mat and provide little to no resistance to the golf club when the golf ball is struck.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/977,117 filed on Apr. 9, 2014 titled, A BASELESS, LOW-RESISTANCE GOLF MAT TEE, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/977,117 filed on Apr. 9, 2014 titled, A BASELESS, LOW-RESISTANCE GOLF MAT TEE, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee to be used in combination with driving range golf mats. More particularly, this invention is directed to a driving range golf mat tee, used to facilitate the hitting of longer clubs and irons, that is constructed so as to be inserted and received into the top surface opening of a typical driving range golf mat and is capable of being retained within said opening without need of a circular base or flange engaged against the under-side surface of the driving range golf mat.

Both avid and recreational golfers utilize driving ranges to practice hitting golf balls. Although the purpose and frequency in which these two types of golfers utilize practice driving ranges may differ, one thing is the same, namely that they both almost exclusively practice on driving range golf mats. The motivation behind this is pretty universal, specifically, golf courses and golf driving ranges desire to keep maintenance costs as low as possible and want to avoid performing unnecessary repairs to grass surfaces.

Currently when a golfer desires to tee up a ball for practicing iron or wood shots on a driving range golf mat, prior art cylindrical rubber tees consisting of circular disc or flange shaped bases are inserted from the under-side surface of the driving range golf mat through the opening in the mat. The prior art cylindrical rubber tees then extend above the top surface of the driving range golf mat by the desired distance. There are several disadvantages in using the prior art cylindrical rubber tees with driving range golf mats. One such disadvantage is that the prior art requires golfers to bend down and reach under the driving range golf mat to pick up the mat in order to insert the tee through the opening on the under-side surface of the mat. This is necessary as the tee has a circular disc/flange base which engages with the under-side surface of the mat and anchors the tee to provide a means of retention when a golf ball is struck off the tee. Another disadvantage of the prior art is that due to its relatively stiff rubber composition, the feel of the impact when striking a golf ball off the tee is unlike that during the normal play of the game. Additionally, when a golf ball is struck off of the prior art tee, an unintended and undesirable ball spin is caused by the physical contact of the golf ball and rubber tee. This makes the golfer's goal of mimicking shots normally taken while on course virtually impossible. A further disadvantage includes the fact that the prior art tees are only available in selective sizes. This often times results in a golfer having to utilize a prior art tee at an undesirable height, or physically altering or cutting the rubber tee to meet their desired height requirements. The latter alters the physical contact surface between the golf ball and rubber tee, often producing even greater undesirable golf ball spin when the golf ball is struck by a golf club.

There has been some effort to develop devices to improve upon the disadvantages noted above. Such efforts can be seen in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 5,156,403 to Martino, issued Oct. 20, 1992, which discloses a golf mat tee comprising of a base member with a circular disc/flange that engages the under-side surface of the driving range golf mat and allows for insertion of a conventional semi-rigid golf tee into the base. The disadvantages to the Martino disclosure include that the semi-rigid tee must be manually returned to the vertical position after every practice shot by the golfer. Additionally, the semi-rigid tee requires lifting the driving range golf mat and insertion of the base member into the opening on the under-side surface of the golf mat, as to allow the circular disc/flange base to engage the under-side surface of the golf mat in order to provide anchoring of the tee.

Another effort can be seen in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 7,428,906 B2 to Chloe, issued Dec. 2, 2008, which discloses a flexible golf tee comprising a tee member and base. The tee member being made of a flexible material that allows the tee member to return to an upright position after the tee is hit by a golf ball. One disadvantage of the Chloe disclosure is that with multiple uses, the integrity of the flexible tee member can become compromised resulting in the tee not fully returning to the vertical position and not supporting the golf ball in the desired nature.

Yet another effort can be seen in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 7,828,677 B2 to Steinhobel, issued Nov. 9, 2010, disclosing a driving range golf tee comprising a flange base member, a centrally disposed tubular member and a plurality of flexible fingers extending upwardly and terminating in distal ends which support a golf ball. The main disadvantage to the Steinhobol disclosure is that insertion of the device requires lifting the driving range golf mat and insertion of the device into the opening on the under-side surface of the golf mat, as to allow the circular flange/disc base to engage the under-side surface of the golf mat in order to provide anchoring of the tee. This action is required for both insertion and removal of the tee, which is an activity that is inconvenient, difficult, and/or cumbersome to many golfers. Additionally, in lifting a portion of the golf mat, the golfer is required to touch the under-side surface of the golf mat, which is almost always wet and dirty. These above disadvantages of the Steinhobel disclosure are also additional disadvantages of the Martino and Chloe disclosures.

Despite the existence of such devices and with the foregoing in mind, a need exists for a golf tee that can be used in combination with driving range golf mats which provides the golfer with the desired feel when striking the golf ball, reduces the amount of improper spin as a result of the golf ball contact with the tee, and eliminates the need for the golfer to lift the golf mat every time the tee is to be inserted or removed. The present invention provides such a device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

To resolve the existing disadvantages outlined above, the present invention is directed to a base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee.

An objective of the invention is to provide a golf mat tee that is capable of repetitive use without risk of breaking, failure, or reduction in structural integrity.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a low-resistance golf mat tee that provides proper contact and support of a golf ball as to dramatically reduce or eliminate undesired ball spin.

A further objective of the invention is to provide a low-resistance golf mat tee that mimics the feel a golfer would experience when striking a ball during normal golf course play.

Still another objective of the invention is to provide a base-less golf mat tee that eliminates the need for a golfer to lift a portion of golf mat for insertion and removal of the tee and soiling their hand with moisture and dirt commonly found on the under-side surface of the golf mat in the process.

To successfully achieve these objectives, the present invention is directed to a base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee that includes a solid tubular shaft member that extends upwardly and has a length that is generally equivalent to the thickness of the driving range golf mat and a circumference that is fractionally smaller than that of the golf mat hole opening. The shaft member terminates at the under-side surface of a flat, circular disc-shaped tee member of larger diameter by a connective means. The top surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member includes a multiplicity of bristles, foam support structures, or other low-resistance support means attached and affixed to the tee members' top surface which extend upward to provide angular support for the golf ball.

The solid tubular shaft member is inserted directly into the top surface opening of the driving range golf mat so the under-side surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member engages the top surface of the golf mat. As a result of the circumference of the tubular shaft member being fractionally smaller than that of the golf mat opening in combination with the weight and density of the shaft member, the golf mat tee is retained in the golf mat opening when a golf ball is struck off the tee without additional anchoring means.

The multiplicity of bristles, foam support structures, or other low-resistance support means extending upward from the top surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member are available in varying heights to accommodate use with different length and size golf clubs.

When removed from the driving range golf mat opening, the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee is simply lifted upward freeing the tee from the golf mat opening.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth the certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be obtained through reference to the attached drawings, illustrating the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Accordingly:

FIG. 1. is a front elevated perspective view of the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2 a-2 c depict the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee displayed in FIG. 1 supporting a golf ball at varying heights;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee constructed in accordance with the disclosures of the present invention;

FIGS. 4 a-4 b are side perspective views depicting the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee utilized in combination with a driving range golf mat.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

01 Base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee

10 Solid, tubular shaft member

20 Connective means between tubular shaft member and under-side surface of flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member

30 Flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member

40 Flat, circular disc-shaped tee member under-side surface

50 Flat, circular disc-shaped tee member top surface

60 Bristle support members

60′ Foam structure support members

70 Proximal end support member tips tapering inward

70′ Alternative embodiment of proximal end support member tips tapering inward

80 Height of support members above the top surface of the flat circular disc-shaped tee member for use with a driver or other oversized golf club

90 Height of support members above the top surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member for use with a fairway wood or other hybrid golf club

100 Height of support members above the top surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member for use with a long or mid-range iron golf club

110 Driving range golf mat

120 Top surface of driving range golf mat

130 Under-side surface of driving range golf mat

140 Driving range golf mat hole opening

150 Golf ball

160 Driving range golf mat thickness

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein and are made with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the descriptions disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting the embodiments set forth herein, rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a front elevated perspective view of a base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee designed for use in combination with a driving range golf mat and constructed in accordance with the specification of the present invention is illustrated. The base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee 01 as shown in FIG. 1 provides support of a golf ball 150 on its proximal end. At the proximal end, inwardly tapering bristle support member tips 70 of the bristle support members 60 extend upwardly from the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member top surface 50. The flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member 30 having an under-side surface 40 which is attached to the solid, tubular shaft member 10 through connective means 20 ranging from frictional force-fit, snap-fit, threaded or other connective means 20. The solid, tubular shaft member 10 having a distal end extending away to its proximal end where the tubular shaft member 10 is attached and affixed to the under-side surface of the flat, circular disc-shaped tee member 40 through connective means 20. The solid, tubular shaft member 10 although capable of being made of various materials with the desired strength and weight, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubular shaft member 10 is formed of weighted heavy-duty plastic or metal allowing the tee 01 to be retained within the driving range golf mat hole opening when the golf ball 150 is struck with a golf club. The flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member 30, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is formed of plastic and has the bristle support members 60 affixed and attached to the top surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member 50. The bristle support members 60 extend upward and away from the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member top surface 50, toward the proximal end of the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee 01, terminating in inwardly tapering bristle support member tips 70 to provide the necessary support and retention of the golf ball 150.

A golf mat tee of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 c, disclosing bristle support members 60 of varying heights depending on the desired club to be used by the golfer during driving range practice. In FIG. 2 a, the bristle support members 60 have a height 100 above the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member top surface 50 to accommodate use of long to mid-range iron golf clubs. FIG. 2 b, illustrates bristle support members 60 having a height 90 above the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member top surface 50 to accommodate use of fairway woods and other hybrid golf clubs. FIG. 2 c, illustrates bristle support members 60 having a height 80 above the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member top surface 50 to accommodate use of drivers or golf clubs with oversized heads. It should be noted that as the bristle support members 60 increase in height, the flexibility of the bristle support members 60 increase as to reduce or eliminate any resistance present when the golf club strikes the golf ball. In light of the preceding, it should be recognized that the golf mat tee constructed in line with the principles of the present invention may have bristle support members 60 of varying heights and dimensions to meet the practice needs of a golfer.

Referring to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the bristle support members 60 is disclosed, 60′. FIG. 3 illustrates alternative foam finger support members 60′ that are attached and affixed to the top surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member 50 and extend upwardly while tapering inward, terminating in inwardly tapering foam finger support member tips 70′. Regardless whether the original or alternative embodiment are utilized as part of the present invention, the support members 60, 60′ and proximal end support member tips 70, 70′ provide little to no resistance as the golf club passes through during the striking of the golf ball. This allows the golfer to mimic the ball striking feel that they would experience while on the course, while at the same time eliminating undesirable ball spin caused as a result of the contact between the ball and the tee.

A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as constructed in accordance with the specification of the present invention as the golfer would utilize it in combination with a driving range golf mat is shown in FIGS. 4 a-4 b. FIG. 4 a depicts the driving range golf mat 110 that includes a top surface 120, an under-side surface 130, and a golf mat hole opening 140 into which the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee 01 is inserted, received and retained. FIG. 4 b, illustrates the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee 01 as it would be utilized in combination with a driving range golf mat 110 as inserted into, received and retained by the golf mat hole opening 140. The solid, tubular shaft member 10 has a circumference that is fractionally smaller than that of the golf mat hole opening 140 and is retained in the golf mat hole opening 140 by frictional and pressure forces when a golf ball 150 is struck from the base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee 01 without any additional anchoring means. The length of the tubular shaft member 10, is equivalent to the thickness 160 of the driving range golf mat 110, so that the under-side surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member 40 engages the top surface of the driving range golf mat 120. Bristle support members 60 attached and affixed to the top surface of the flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member 50 extend above the top surface of the driving range golf mat 120 to the height desired by the golfer in order to accommodate use of the golf club selected.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described a particular configuration of a base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee, such embodiments are exemplary. While certain embodiments and details have been included herein for purposes of illustrating aspects of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined, in part, in the appended claims. It is understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of this invention. The words “including” and “having,” as used herein, including the claims, shall have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” 

What which is claimed is:
 1. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee for use in combination with a driving range golf mat of a specific thickness, said combination comprising: (A) a tubular shaft member extending upward from the distal end of the tee; (B) a flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member with a top and under-side surface affixed to the proximal end of the tubular shaft member via its under-side surface through connective means; (C) support structures extending upward from the top surface of said flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member to the proximal end of the tee upon which a golf ball is rested; wherein, said tubular shaft member is inserted into, received by and extends through the hole opening in said driving range golf mat terminating at the top surface of said driving range golf mat; wherein, the under-side surface of said flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member connected to the proximal end of said tubular shaft member engages the top surface of said driving range golf mat; wherein, said support structures extending upward from the top surface of said flat, circular, disc-shaped tee member extend above the top surface of said driving range golf mat surface for receiving and resting of a golf ball thereon;
 2. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tubular shaft member circumference is fractionally smaller than that of said driving range golf mat hole opening to allow for retention of said base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee in said driving range golf mat hole opening through frictional and pressure forces upon striking of said golf ball without any additional anchoring means;
 3. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as claimed in claim 2, wherein said tubular shaft member is composed of a dense and weighted heavy plastic, metallic or other material of sufficient strength, density and weight to further assist in retention of said base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee in said driving range golf mat hole opening upon striking of said golf ball;
 4. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as claimed in claim 3, wherein said support structures are generally evenly distributed upon the top surface of said flat, circular, disk-shaped tee member;
 5. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as claimed in claim 4, wherein the proximal end of said support structures is concave-shaped so as to taper toward the center of said support structures as to create a depression for receiving and supporting of said golf ball;
 6. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as claimed in claim 5, wherein the length of said support structures vary so as to accommodate use with golf clubs of varying lengths and club head sizes;
 7. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support structures may comprise of a multiplicity of bristles, a plurality of flexible fingers, a foam or spongy material, or other low-resistance support material;
 8. A base-less, low-resistance golf mat tee as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connective means may comprise frictional force-fit, snap-fit, threaded or other connective means. 